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Topkapı Palace
(Topkapı Sarayı Müzesi)
History Museum and Palace
Cankurtaran, İstanbul
Has a stamp of approval from The Telegraph and AFAR Media
"The Harem is definitely worth it."(37 Tips)
"Sultans inner sanctum (fourth chamber) has amazing view"(22 Tips)
"Wonderfully lavish interiors and great views across the Bosphorus."(12 Tips)
"Amazing view and so many interesting artifacts from Ottoman Empire."(9 Tips)
298 Tips and reviewsFilter:
- scenic views
- harem
- sultan
- architecture
- historic sites
- (15 more)
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T SJanuary 19, 2017You can imagine this palace is much bigger than the Vatican state it self. With an amazing views to the golden horn to the phosphorus & maramara sea. The Haremlic is a must to see.
Upvoted Sep 1
Farina LanFebruary 19, 2015Excellent item displays. Refreshed my knowledge on the life history of the prophets. And at the end of your tour do take a walk around the cafe area that overlooks the bosphorus strait. Breathtaking!
AFAR MediaNovember 25, 2014This architecture and detailed ceilings are among the most beautiful I've seen. You'll spend your visit looking up. If you go, don't miss the exquisite collection of jewels in the Treasury. Read more
Upvoted Sep 20
Otel.comJanuary 9, 2014The Topkapi Palace was formerly the residence of Turkish sultans for over 300 years. Now it is the shining star of the city as a museum.
ReemOJanuary 29, 2015Very historical place. You should book 2 tickets one for the Harem section and the other for the rest of the museum.
Halil Kemal Y.February 13, 2015People who want to learn historical things about ottomans and İstanbul should really go and see this place.Amazing big structure ! I loved it...
Bahram MovahedJuly 16, 2017Beautiful, vast and astonishing structure which you baffle you for hours. It has lots of ground to cover so expect to spend at least 2 or 3 hours in there because it has lots to cover.
Gozdem UgurJanuary 2, 2015The Harem is a must see!! It's definetly worth the extra entrance fee. The other exhibitions are nice too. Go on weekday mornings for lesser crowds.
- Carl GriffinJanuary 1, 2016Impressive 15th century palace. This thriving royal court would have been filled by sultans, courtiers, eunuchs and concubines. Wonderfully lavish interiors and great views across the Bosphorus.
- Mustafa B.August 28, 2016You can start your trip from the right side of the entrance "The kitchen of the Palace". In some places you have the great view of Bosphorus and Golden Horn. Beware that there is no lockers available.
Lucille FisherFebruary 22, 2015A must see, but go early to avoid the crowds & have lunch in the Ottoman restaurant in the Palace for a taste of authentic Ottoman cuisine.
Turkish AirlinesOctober 21, 2011Topkapi palace was the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the center of state administration about 380 years until the construction of Dolmabahce Palace in 1856 by Sultan Abdulmecit.
- Anya RoxieJuly 7, 2019If you watched ‘Muhtesem Yüzyil’ you should definitely visit this palace. Awesome architecture, marvelous garden and breathtaking Bosphorus views. I advice to come here in late spring or summer.
Saleh AlhosaniFebruary 14, 2017i like the historical peace of art and old building the place it self help you go back to ottoman impire but disadvantages that they don't let any one to take picture where in the museum
Raakin RollSeptember 18, 2016Here you will see the Prophet Muhammad's live articles such as his tooth, hair and along with the Sahaba's (companions) articles like their swords, etc.. Also you will see Proph. Musas sword. Must see
Martin AngelettiAugust 11, 2014Very nice. Even though the weather. So take that into account. If by any chance rains, you can still enjoy very much your history museum pass.
edna_ellena .November 10, 2017Amazing place. If you are in Istanbul you must see it. Go early so you will have enough time to see all of it. Words are not enough. Go and sue by yourself. You will not regret! 😊
Maria TarasovaDecember 31, 2013Come as early as you can, that might help you to avoid 200-meter line. No pictires are allowed in most of rooms of palace, so make sure you visit Harem too to take pictures of beautiful walls :)
M. KhalidAugust 8, 2019A must see in Istanbul however avoid doing so now at least till winter as most rooms/areas in the palace and Hareem are closed for renovations. It’s worth the time
- The architecture is amazing. The collection of museum pieces ranges from the nearly unbelievable to the unbelievably beautiful.
M Aldoss ♏January 11, 2015Highly recommended historical Palace 👍👍 one of the biggest Places in Istanbul !! A lot to see
Turkey Travel CentreMarch 3, 2014The centre of old Constantinople (Istanbul), the Topkapi Palace, harem and museum is a must visit. It is very big so at least a full morning is needed to explore it properly.
Bahare IzadiJuly 31, 2015If you wanna enjoy history,nature and not getting bored this is definitely yours. Reading the history of there before the visit is highly suggested cause if you don't, you gonna miss alot...
Ali DaylanAugust 4, 2015Culinary section is awesome. See the extravagance of palace cuisine and how it was affected by European culture after 17th century. You even can know where the kitchen acquired its ingredients from.
Adrijana HusićNovember 10, 2013For many people not impressive as Dolmabahce Palace, still this is the real Ottoman Palace. Be sure to leave some time to enjoy sitting in front of Palace and within gardens inside.
Xenia TemchenkoSeptember 18, 2016For those interested in Ottoman culture and Islam it's going to be captivating. Exhibition raised my interest in those. Nice view on the city and Bosphorus.
Walid SassiJanuary 4, 2015Just in love with this place , every visitor to istanbul need to visit this place , the pass costs 30Turkish Lira
Erin HaleenOctober 16, 2014Baskin the glory of sacred relics: Abrahams pot, Joseph's turban, Moses, staff, David's sword and of course the tooth, beard hair, and letter of Mohammed (pbuh).
Umut ÇakmakJanuary 4, 2015Site of the largest Ottoman palace and the former site of Justinian's Great Palace. Better see around with a professional guide. Lots and lots to see. With the perfect Bosphorus view.
Lujain AbaHussainMarch 10, 2016Make sure to hire a tour guide. It really made a difference telling fun facts about the interesting objects and the castle. Children enjoyed. Remember to take a photo at the souvenir shop booth.
Lillian SwordNovember 27, 2014I expected to enjoy our visit to the Palace,The palace of ottoman empire untill mid of 19.century.624 years of empire,around 400 years this palace was used.
Tatjana NikolićApril 4, 2014Travelling through history... Take time to enjoy in beautiful grounds and gardens. And view over Bosphorus, of course.
- Otel.comSeptember 22, 2011No Istanbul trip is complete without this. Learn about the seat of Ottoman Power while exploring its design and structure. Don't miss the Imperial Treasure and make sure to visit all four courts.
Önder BingölNovember 9, 2014Walk through all the gardens to the north to find out why this hilltop was chosen for the palace. A breathtaking view of marmara, bosphorus and golden horn will greet you.
Thanos Antonis. 🍻🍺😝☕😀November 7, 2015A very nice place with great view to Bosporus. 2-3 hours required to see all Topkapi area with 45 TL entrance cost for both sarayi and harem.
Turkey TourismMay 9, 2013Topkapi Palace occupies one of the seven hills of the city at the tip of the historic peninsula overlooking the sea. Read more
Doniyor IsakhunovApril 28, 2015The best historical place of istanbul. And harem was also made by eastern style
If you visit here in the morning then do it early like 9:00 and directly go to the third garden to visit the exhibition halls to skip the line.- Doğucan BaskınJanuary 9, 2019For me, the best historical heritage in Istanbul. Amazing view and so many interesting artifacts from Ottoman Empire. Definitely worth to visit.
Bogdan D.October 9, 2014Great palace; treasury and harem are the highlites; very crowded even in October; tiring visit though;
- Turkish AirlinesFebruary 28, 2015Take a step back in time, as you walk through history at the incredible Topkapi Palace!
Alireza ZeiniOctober 23, 2023The ticket was so expensive. But Everyone should see inside the museum once in the life. It has a good historical story
The TelegraphNovember 20, 2012The four courtyards and plethora of buildings and pavilions that make up the Topkapı Palace complex (topkapisarayi.gov.tr ; £8.70, closed Tuesdays in winter) are a whole afternoon’s entertainment.
Raghad AdnanOctober 5, 2018I loved it, the audio guide is quite helpful and explains it all .. but don’t take the fast-track ticket, it’s a trap !
istanbulMarch 2, 2011Topkapi is the palace over looking the Bosphorus where the sultas made their homes and supervised government during the glory days of the Ottoman Empire.
Natalia UMarch 8, 2016A lot of buildings of Sultans' places describe life here hundreds years ago, amazing armoury, treasure house, palace court
Abdulla M. SayyarJune 25, 2016Amazing experience, so rich with history and very organized administration. If you want to know about ottomans history this is he place
DHR.comFebruary 9, 2012This remarkable structure is not to be missed for all Istanbul visitors. Devote a day for exploring, and visit the Topkapi Palace Museum to get more info and see more impressive exhibitions.
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The Topkapi Palace in Istanbul is the former imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans. Today it is a museum.
Closed until 9:00 AM (Show more)
- October 26–April 15
- Mon, Wed–Sun
- 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
+90 212 512 04 80
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Places inside Topkapı Palace
- 6.7
"Fantastic view! Great food! Great service! Stopped in with my wife during our tour and completely satisfied. Order the Lamm Haxe. Meat peals right off the bone!"
George Cass - 9.3
"Best place in Istanbul."
Mohammad Al-Arfaj - 8.9
"Start with Harem first, as it closes earlier. Get the audio guides here with no queues! Had to wait for half an hour to get one at the entrance! ID is needed. Photos are mostly allowed"
Foodie
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- 9.0
"Liked it, despite heavy reconstructions and Constantine's sarcophagus being closed. Museum of the Ancient Orient was the best start with excellent audio commentary, so do get the audio guide"
Foodie - 8.7
"Very nice arts and crafts exhibited in nice spaces of recently renovated historical building.."
julia - 8.8
"Simply amazing. A must see for sure!"
Stacey Acartürk
Places people like to go after Topkapı Palace
- 9.2
"One of the most awesome places I’ve ever been to. A marvelous example of early Byzantine architecture. Awesome mosaics inside. Be ready to spend several hours inside."
Anya Roxie
- 9.2
"It’s very beautiful both during the day and night! Definitely worth spending some time for a walk here"
Serhii Lutsko - 8.9
"Astonishing view, breathtaking architecture. It is absolutely a must see!"
Bahram Movahed
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